INSIDE MYTHIC CREATURES FINAL WEEKS for SILK ROAD PREHISTORIC TURTLES the Ideas They Traded Were As Important As the Silk

DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE MAGAZINE APRIL | MAY 2015

INSIDE MYTHIC CREATURES FINAL WEEKS FOR SILK ROAD PREHISTORIC TURTLES The ideas they traded were as important as the silk.

Long before the Internet, the Silk Road connected humanity. Experience the 5,700 miles from China to Constantinople complete with the scent of spices, exquisite silks, and the exchange of radical ideas CLOSES MAY 3 that were the foundation of the modern world.

Traveling the Silk Road: Ancient Pathway to the Modern World is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org) in collaboration with the ArtScience Museum, Singapore; Azienda Speciale Palaexpo, Roma, Italy and Codice. Idee per la cultura srl, Torino, Italy; the National Museum of Australia, Canberra, Australia and Art Exhibitions Australia; and the National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan and United Daily News, Taipei, Taiwan. Dear Members, CONTENTS To say that the new collections facility is a dream come true is not 2 IN THE KNOW a stretch. A 1974 facility master Here’s the latest about what’s going on inside and plan called for a consolidated outside the Museum. storage area for the burgeoning science collections. This proposal 4 FEATURED EXHIBITION didn’t come to be, but the vision Meet legends that have inspired stories, art, and many stayed top of mind for Museum theories about their origins in the new exhibition Mythic leaders for many years. In 2007, Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns, and Mermaids. voters approved the Better Denver bond, which, much to 6 MUSEUM INSIDER our gratitude, positioned the Our new paleontologist’s study of prehistoric turtles has Museum to make this long-held revealed how these popular animals breathe inside their dream a reality. Since then, community leaders and philanthropists, hulking body shield. government partners, corporations, and foundations all provided vital support for the state-of-the-art science collections center. 8 MUSEUM TREASURES We are particularly grateful to the Avenir Foundation, A set of beautiful Arapaho dolls from the education whose gifts totaling $4.85 million have helped build and equip collection tell stories of one of Colorado’s First Nations. the new center, move collections, and endow their long-term 10 GET INVOLVED conservation. In recognition of their transformational support, Let’s work together to be catalysts and ignite the the Museum has named the facility the Avenir Collections Center. community’s passion for science and nature. The Lakewood-based Avenir Foundation supports arts and culture through education and preservation, truly living up to its 21 DISCOVER SCIENCE name, which was inspired by the French word l’avenir, “future Hear the true tale of the infamous camel spider, often the or time to come.” Their support helps the Museum ensure that subject of modern folklore. the stories, science, and wonder inherent in our nearly 1.5 million natural and cultural objects will endure for generations. Since opening in 2014, the Avenir Collections Center has been buzzing with activity. The entire insect collection has been moved into its new home, as has nearly all of the mammal FIND IT @ DMNS.ORG collection. One-hundred percent of the Museum archives (formerly housed in multiple sites around the building) are now • Print-at-home tickets for surcharged exhibitions, in one location. Moving will continue throughout 2015, with 70 Planetarium and IMAX shows, lectures, and programs percent of the collections relocated by the end of the year. It • Reservations for members events takes time to move such precious items! • Hours and showtimes The 63,000-square-foot Avenir Collections Center provides • Calendar of events the highest standards in climate control and stable storage conditions. It also features workspaces, labs, and a conservation • Museum Scientists center where collections can be safely, efficiently, and • Today’s Weather at the Museum comfortably studied and preserved by our own scientists and • Heavens Above sky information researchers from around the globe. The generous support of the Avenir Foundation and other community partners—like you, our • Membership renewals and purchases members—ensures that the Museum can sustain its commitment Join Our Community: to igniting our community’s passion for nature and science.

ON THE COVER FROM THE ANTHROPOLOGY COLLECTIONS Shell anklet George Sparks AC.9205A President and CEO Huastec, Precolumbian Mesoamerica You may contact George Sparks by e-mail at [email protected]. ca. AD 1000–1521 Depicts Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent Rick Wicker

Catalyst, Issue 28 © 2015 Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80205 [email protected] • Catalyst is produced and published six times a year by the Denver Museum of Nature & Science for its members. • Address changes: members@ dmns.org or 303.370.6306 (daily, 9–5) • IMAX is a registered trademark of the IMAX Corporation. • Denver Museum of Nature & Science exhibits and programs are made possible in part by the citizens of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. • Printed on recycled paper. CATALYST | 1 FINAL WEEKS TO TRAVEL THE SILK ROAD! Did you know that it takes about 2,500 silkworms to produce one pound of silk, enough for one robe? In the exhibition Traveling the Silk Road, you will see live silkworms and examine a massive replica of a Tang-era loom from China as you explore the once carefully guarded secrets of sericulture, the process for raising worms to make silk. Now open through Sunday, May 3! Get tickets @ www.dmns.org/silkroad. IN THE KNOW

EXTRA FUN ON SCFD COMMUNITY FREE DAYS The Museum is planning some fun themes to enhance SCFD Community Free Days in April and May. Sunday, April 12: Celebrate Earth Day with special activities devoted to exploring our amazing planet! Dive into a live interactive science and music theater program where you’ll wiggle like a honeybee and sing with the trees. Explore natural resources and learn about local wildlife with the National Park Service. Meet Museum scientists from the Zoology and Earth Sciences Departments and get up close to collections from behind the scenes. Sunday, April 25: The Museum is partnering with the Mexican Cultural Center and the Consulate General of Mexico in Denver to present the second annual Día del Niño celebration. Enjoy music and dance performances by local community groups as well as special crafts and other science and nature activities. Get your photo taken with mascots from local sports teams, and have fun with balloon animals and face painting. Enjoy bilingual programming at various stops across the Museum. Sunday, May 31: Focus on space exploration throughout the day. Make your own rocket and launch it with RocketWorks. Catch presentations by space scientists, space educators, and space explorers. Safely view the sun through solar telescopes (weather permitting) and find out how to get involved in astronomy. Join Youth One Book One Denver for a scavenger hunt to get this year’s read for teens. SCFD Community Free Days are made possible by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District, a unique funding source serving hundreds of metro Denver arts, culture, and scientific organizations. Find out more @ www.scfd.org.

LEGENDS ON LARIMER Dragons, unicorns, and mermaids have descended upon Larimer Square in downtown Denver! Sixteen local artists created legendary creatures to celebrate the new exhibition Mythic Creatures, now open at the Museum. Find out more @ www.dmns.org/legendsonlarimer.

2 | APRIL/MAY 2015 | DMNS.ORG HEAVENS ABOVE NASA’s tractor trailer–size Dawn spacecraft was pulled into the orbit of Ceres, a dwarf planet, in early March. Dawn is the first probe to orbit a dwarf planet. It was about 38,000 miles away when it was pulled into Ceres’s gravity. Dawn has been slowly working its way into orbit-capture since arriving at Ceres in January and is set to begin dedicated mapping operations in late April. Ceres was discovered in 1801 as the first object found in our solar system’s main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, known as the Asteroid Belt. (The most famous dwarf planet, Pluto, wasn’t found until 1930 and is in the Kuiper Belt.) Ceres is about 310 million miles from Earth. It was initially classified as a planet, later demoted to an asteroid, and then reclassified again as a dwarf planet. Ceres is the largest body in the main asteroid belt with a diameter of 590 miles. The Dawn spacecraft will study this intriguing world in great detail. Meanwhile, 3 billion miles from Earth, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft has begun its long-awaited, historic encounter with Pluto. The spacecraft is on the homestretch of a 10-year flight, which launched in January 2006. The spacecraft’s closest approach occurs on July 14, 2015, but by May, images of the distant icy world will be better than those taken by the Hubble telescope. During the encounter with Pluto and its moon Charon, New Horizons will map the geology and topography of these unexplored worlds, determine their surface composition and temperature, and measure Pluto’s atmosphere. New Horizons will study Pluto’s smaller moons and search for new moons and planetary rings. From there, it is expected to head further into the Kuiper Belt to examine other icy mini worlds. Find sky information for April and May @ www.dmns.org/ © NASA heavensabove.

NEW AT THE MUSEUM Chase a salmon! The upgrades in Bears and Sea Mammals Hall on Level 2 are complete, and one of the new features is a virtual salmon streambed projected onto the floor of the gallery. Try channeling your inner bear and see if you can catch a salmon. The projection also includes a new elf drawn just for this project by artist Kent Pendleton, who painted many of the other diorama elves as his personal signature. If you’d like to find all the hidden elves, stop by the Information Desk for a handout on how to find them and some other Museum secrets. On Level 1, near the Science Atrium, is a new interactive exhibit showing how our Museum is the first commercial-scale building to use recycled water and an innovative, high-efficiency system to heat and cool the new wing. The heating and cooling plant integrates geothermal heat pump technology and recycled water from Denver Water to reduce energy consumption by up to 60 percent. The technology was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and was just one feature that led to the Museum receiving LEED Platinum certification for the new wing after it opened last year.

FUN PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES AND TEENS The Museum’s summer camps and weekend workshops for children have been popular with our members for years; however, did you know we now regularly schedule programs for families and teens? The family programs are usually planned in conjunction with one of our temporary exhibitions or IMAX films, with special activities that enhance those experiences. A sleepover for families is currently in the works for this summer. Teen programs are designed by teens for teens and are offered about once a month. They cost only $10 per teen for a fun evening of activities and making new friends who share a mutual passion for the Museum. Find out more about these programs @ www.dmns.org/learn or in the magazine insert. IN THE KNOW | CATALYST | 3 FEATURED EXHIBITION an extinct “elephant bird” from Madagascar that laid the largest the laid that Madagascar from bird” extinct “elephant an an carry to enough elephant into the largesky, which is compared bird to a model of mythic the Roc, 11-foot an and now-extinct ape whose fossils inspired stories of ape-men in Asia; griffin; a floor; the and from rising head tentacles its with kraken, 10-foot-tall a of models and statues was hoax made famous by showman P.T. This tail. Barnum. fish a to sewn torso monkey’s a mermaid,” “Feejee the as such sensation, for creatures the mythical produced from tusk narwhal a to North Seatocredencelend tothe existence or unicorns. of Others Cyclops of evidence as skulls elephant to ancient pointed intellectuals respected when time toward themythical for spiritualandcreative expression. gravitate humans how illustrates exhibition armor,the Japanese fromspirits, Inuit of voodoobanners toa shaman’s coat and symbols of the cultural landscape. From a jade dragon to carvings celebrated are belief, many and and imagination human through the trees, and soaring above the clouds. The creatures take shape through silently running waves, the beneath creatures—sliding 4 |APRIL/MAYDMNS.ORG 2015| In addition to the dragon and unicorn, guests will encounter will guests unicorn, and dragon the to addition In a was There evolves. science how reveals also exhibition The Throughout history, humans have caught “glimpses” of mythic 7fo-og rgnad r eaie mr ciial truh el osl andcultural objects that have created generations fossils oflore. real through critically more examined are dragon—and 17-foot-long and unicorn a as models—such and statues dazzling through life to come fantastical beings In the whimisical enduring most world’s the Mermaids and wild speculation. Unicorns, Dragons, Creatures: Mythic exhibition and spurred and culture, art inspired imaginations, Dragons,bigfoot, chupacabras, unicorns,These legendsmermaids. and have captured NOW OPEN!FREEADMISSIONFORMEMBERS Gigantopithecus Aepyornis, , areal, eggs in the world. A very rarevery A world. the in eggs the real andtheimaginary.” and sharingpersonalexperiences related to therealms between animals mythical own their creating guests have also will we but ingenuityhave solved manyand mysteries surroundingthese beings science how at look fun a take only not will “We CEO. and President Sparks, George said exhibition,” of type different a is this so years, of thousands for imaginations captured have that bearing trout, andtheColorado Howler.fur- the jackalope, the exploration as an such legends, and and dragon,myths Colorado or of unicorn a with op photo fun a touchablecasts real of a greenanimals, unusual and screen for ones, little for puppets storytelling, creatures, mythic own your is displayed intheexhibition. collection—which happens to be the first one to reach America— National MaritimeMuseum, Sydney; and FernbankMuseumof Natural History, Atlanta. The with Australian Gatineau-Ottawa; collaboration Civilization, of Museum Canadian in Chicago; Museum, Field (www.amnh.org), York New American History, the Natural by of organized Museum is Mermaids and Unicorns, Dragons, Creatures: Mythic “Human curiosity is insatiable when it comes to the creatures the comes it to when insatiable is curiosity “Human as drawing such activities enjoy also will ages all of Guests Aepyornis egg from egg theMuseum’s MEMBERS TIPS Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns, and Mermaids is now open through Monday, September 7, in Phipps Gallery, Level 3. Admission is free for members. Please be prepared to present your membership card at the entrance to the exhibition.

Weekday late afternoons and weekend early mornings tend to be less busy in these exhibitions. School groups generally visit during weekday mornings. Spring Break 2015 for most metro Denver school districts is scheduled to occur from March 23 to April 3.

Complimentary guest tickets that came with your membership are valid for general Museum admission and may be used for entry into Mythic Creatures.

Find out more about the exhibition and related programs @ www.dmns.org/mythiccreatures.

FEATURED EXHIBITION | CATALYST | 5 HOW THE TURTLE GOT ITS SHELL MUSEUM INSIDER By Tyler Lyson, PhD

There is a clear reason the saying “come out of your shell” was inspired by the turtle. They have one of the most distinctive and unusual body plans in the animal kingdom because of the bony shell that covers their backs and bellies. Most turtles can pull their head and limbs into the shell for protection from predators and other threats. Turtle shells are readily preserved in the fossil record, but there have been debates for centuries about how and when the turtle actually got its shell and how a turtle breathes when its ribs are locked into its shell.

6 | APRIL/MAY 2015 | DMNS.ORG While fully shelled turtles have a record extending back 210 To address this question, colleagues and I compared the million years, the fossil record for earlier partially shelled “proto- Eunotosaurus ribs to those of modern turtles, lizards, and mammals turtles” has been poor. Turtles are thought to have diverged from and found that the muscular breathing apparatus was already in other reptiles at least 260 million years ago, leaving a 50-million- place in Eunotosaurus. This suggests that early in the turtle body’s year gap in their fossil record. evolution a gradual increase in the body wall’s rigidity divided The recent discovery in China of a 220-million-year-old turtle with the function of the ribs and the abdominal respiratory muscles. half a shell has shed some light. The fossil has a fully developed belly As the ribs broadened and stiffened the torso, they became less shell and distinctively broadened ribs, but lacks a fully developed top effective for breathing, causing the abdominal muscles to become shell and bony ossicles. The fossil suggests that turtle shells did not specialized for breathing and freeing up the ribs to eventually— develop as ossicles were added to the skin—as in other vertebrates approximately 50 million years later—become fully integrated into such as armadillos or anklyosaur dinosaurs—but rather formed by the characteristic turtle shell. the gradual broadening of the ribs and vertebrae and the subsequent My colleagues and I published this research last fall in Nature integration of ossicles and shoulder bones along the perimeter of the Communications. It has led to a new understanding of how turtles shell. While this fossil partially answered how and when the turtle got developed their unique respiratory anatomy. Unlike other vertebrates its shell, a 40-million-year gap in the turtle fossil record remained. that use a combination of muscle and bone to compress and expand The Chinese turtle inspired me to turn to a long-forgotten the lungs, turtles rely on musculature alone. Future questions will 260-million-year-old fossil from South Africa named Eunotosaurus address why turtle ribs broadened in the first place. africanus. It was first described in 1892 as a presumed turtle The Museum has collected numerous extraordinary fossil turtle ancestor but was subsequently ignored by scientists who thought skeletons that once lived in western North America. Last summer turtle shells formed like those of other vertebrates. A detailed study a Museum team collected several large land-dwelling tortoise-like of Eunotosaurus showed it was at the early stage of forming a shell. turtles with bony protective spikes covering the neck, legs, and tail. It has nine broadened ribs and lacks muscles between the ribs, One of these well-preserved individuals has a belly full of golf ball– features found only in turtles. More importantly, the broadened size eggs. These discoveries help scientists answer other questions overlapping ribs expanded through the outgrowth of bone from about the natural history of these beloved animals who have the rib itself, a unique feature in turtles. Eunotosaurus has a inspired human culture and scientific speculation for centuries. combination of turtle features and primitive reptile characteristics that nicely bridge the gap between the early reptile body plan and Facing page: Volunteer Rick Millerick prepares a spectacular fossil shell of the highly modified body plan of living turtles. a Basilemys, collected in Utah during the 2014 field season. Above: These fossil shells belonged to Echmatemys, one of the most common turtles in Because the ribs play a central role in ventilating the lungs in North America living 56 to 34 million years ago. Turtle “graveyards” are mammals, lizards, snakes, crocodiles, and birds, the broadening of not uncommon for these aquatic reptiles. ribs in turtles does not come without consequences. If your ribs are incorporated into a protective shell, then you have to find a new way to breathe—and turtles have done just that with a novel muscular FIND IT @ DMNS.ORG sling that wraps around their lungs and organs to help them breathe. Dr. Tyler Lyson, curator of vertebrate paleontology, joined the Museum’s While it was clear to scientists that this lung ventilation mechanism science team last fall. Find out more about him @ www.dmns.org/science/ evolved in tandem with the origin of the shell, it was not clear when museum-scientists/tyler-lyson. and how it had evolved. MUSEUM INSIDER | CATALYST | 7 MUSEUM TREASURES

ARAPAHO DOLLS

Two beautiful dolls in the Museum’s hands-on education collection represent one of the Colorado’s First Nations, the Arapaho. Donna Shakespeare-Cummings, a member of the northern Arapaho tribe, was born and raised on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. She made these dolls especially for the Museum so Coloradans of all ages can learn about one of our state’s First Nations.

8 | APRIL/MAY 2015 | DMNS.ORG Historically, the Arapaho called themselves Hinono’eino, “our people.” It is not clear where the term originated. Arapaho may have been derived from the Crow word Alappaho, “people of many tattoos,” or may have originated with the Pawnee word for “trader.” In modern history, most tribe members call themselves Arapaho. One thing is certain: The Arapaho people were among the original inhabitants of Colorado. The northern Arapaho lived along the South Platte River, and the southern bands lived along the Arkansas River. There are no Arapaho reservations today in Colorado. The northern bands have the Wind River Reservation, and the southern Arapaho live in Oklahoma. Donna created the dolls in the images of her great grandparents. Her great grandfather’s name was Red Turtle, but he was given the name William Shakespeare when he was enrolled on the reservation. Donna’s great grandmother’s name was Cut Nose. Donna’s grandfather was Tom Shakespeare, who along with his son Tom Jr. wrote The Sky People about the Arapaho. Donna used her family history and her knowledge of the Arapaho tradition to craft these dolls and record the heritage of the Arapaho people. The Red Turtle doll stands 19 inches tall in traditional formal men’s leggings dusted on the bottom with red ochre. He wears a breechcloth and shirt made of fringed, beaded, tanned, and smoked buckskin. From head to foot, he is dressed in his finest. He wears a headdress of many feathers, a great honor. These feathers are made of small duck feathers, trimmed and dyed to represent eagle feathers. They are attached with red flannel and a small plume. Beading, small ermine tails, and shell buttons in the shape of disks complete the bonnet. He carries a rawhide shield painted with his name. He also carries a lance and a pipe-tomahawk in a bag. Red Turtle wears a breastplate of pipe bone made with real miniature bones, a collar of fur and mirrors, and a shell-based necklace. The Cut Nose doll—measuring just under 15 inches tall—wears a shawl and dress made of beaded leather. She too is very well dressed. Note the jewelry on her wrists and fingers, and her belt of trade-silver conchas. She carries a baby in a finely beaded cradleboard. The baby is playing with a beaded ball. Cut Nose’s shawl is adorned with many elk bugle teeth, another high honor. These teeth are miniatures carved from other animal teeth. The beading on both dolls is significant too. The symbols of Whirlwind Woman, one of the spirits of creation, can be seen on the man’s pipe bag and on top of the baby’s cradleboard. Star images and buffalo hooves adorn the man’s moccasins. The Morning Star is beaded on the woman’s bag. While these dolls are made to show people in their finest dress, they are also made in the same way that Arapaho youngsters’ toys would have been made 150 years ago in Colorado. The dolls’ skin is made of leather, the man wears red face paint, and the woman has red paint in the part of her hair. The beadwork representing eyes, nose, and mouth is very traditional. The dolls are among the authentic artifacts and specimens in the education collection that are specially reserved for our guests to interact with on a more intimate level than normally allowed with our research collections. The objects are used in classes and workshops, gallery programs, and exploration stations around SEE IT the Museum. People of all ages are encouraged to explore and Look for the Arapaho dolls during the Members Open House on discover the natural sciences through these tangible experiences. Thursday, June 11. Mark your calendars!

MUSEUM TREASURES | CATALYST | 9 LEAVING A LEGACY: CHARITABLE BEQUESTS Interested in boosting the Museum’s commitment to being a catalyst in the community but feel overwhelmed by giving up your assets today? A simple, flexible, and versatile way to ensure the Museum can continue to ignite our community’s passion for nature and science for years to come is a gift in

GET INVOLVED your will or living trust, known as a charitable bequest. A charitable bequest is a simple statement in your will or living trust that names the Museum or the DMNS Foundation as a beneficiary of specific property, a specific dollar amount, or a percentage of your estate. Leaving a legacy in this way offers flexibility, versatility, and tax relief. It also allows you to make a meaningful impact after your passing while maintaining control over your assets during your lifetime. For sample bequest language that best suits the intent of your gift, please contact Mary Pat Rooney, manager of planned giving, at 303.370.8251 or marypat.rooney@dmns. org. Find out more @ www.dmns.org/give/individual-giving.

MAGNIFY YOUR MUSEUM EXPERIENCE: JOIN THE GIVING CLUB Thank you for supporting the Museum as a member! Your membership not only offers you great benefits but it also helps the Museum inspire and serve our community.

We invite you to upgrade your membership today and expand your relationship with the Museum. Joining the Giving Club at $300 or above will bring you unique access to the Museum, with new opportunities for discovery and learning.

These are some of the benefits available to Giving Club members, based on level:

IMAX Family Nights, Tuesday and Wednesday, June 16 and 17: Go to the movies, IMAX style with complimentary snacks.

Behind-the-Scenes Night, Tuesday, October 13: An evening planned just for you and your family as you meet Museum scientists, explore treasures not on public display, and enjoy fun snacks and cash bar.

Free IMAX and Planetarium tickets: Although members receive a discount on tickets to our theaters every day, members of the Giving Club receive free tickets to these venues. You may use the tickets for yourself or share them with friends and family.

“Anytime” Tickets: All Giving Club members receive free “anytime” tickets to all surcharged exhibitions guaranteeing quick and easy access to temporary exhibitions.

It is easier and more affordable than ever to become a Giving Club member with monthly installments of as little as $25 per month! Find out more about Giving Club levels and benefits @ www.dmns.org/join/giving-club.

10 | APRIL/MAY 2015 | DMNS.ORG YOUNG PROFESSIONALS INVITE YOU TO PARTY WITH A PURPOSE The Museum’s Young Professionals (YP) group connects metro-area leaders who share a passion for science and want to help the Museum inspire and serve the Colorado community. In addition to the basic benefits of a Museum membership, the YPs enjoy other opportunities created especially for them. Mark your calendars now for key events coming in 2015.

Science on Tap, Thursday, July 23: Mix and mingle with other YPs at one of the hottest venues in town. Enjoy specialty drinks, snack on local fare, and marvel at the latest scientific research from one of the Museum’s scientists.

After Dark Soiree, Friday, November 13: Sip, dance, bid! Party at the Museum’s annual gala while enjoying cocktails, dessert, dancing, and a silent auction.

Also coming this year, another volunteer day for YPs to engage with Museum guests and the wonders of nature. Stay tuned for details!

FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN JOIN THIS FUN GROUP @ WWW.DMNS.ORG/YP

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© Paula Cushing MEMBERS TIP Spring Break 2015 for most metro Denver school districts is • Add another adult to your membership for just $20. The Add-on scheduled to occur from March 23 to April 3. Please anticipate option is great for nannies and grandparents! Add-on members increased attendance at the Museum during this time. During must be enrolled by name in case they want to visit on their the peak times we find that weekday early mornings and late own. Not valid on Individual level memberships. afternoons on weekends are often less crowded. • Visit 330 science centers and museums using your free admission through the ASTC Passport Program. Free admission begins MEMBERS APPRECIATION DAY outside a 90-mile radius of Denver and your residence. Find out SUNDAY, MAY 17 more @ www.astc.org/passport. Enjoy these special discounts just for you! • Upgrade to Family Plus level membership and higher and enjoy a • 20% off* on select items in all Museum Shops special reciprocity agreement with Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. • 20% off in the T-Rex Cafe and Deli (This agreement is separate from ASTC Passport program.) • 10% off gift memberships • Find yourself frequently bringing the grandkids to the Museum? • 50% off IMAX and Planetarium tickets Check out the Grandparent membership level! It covers • Loyalty Lounge for our 10+ year members two adults living at the same address plus four of their own * Extra 10% discount does not apply to DVDs, CDs, and books. Special offers are valid grandchildren, ages 3–18 years. in person only on May 17, 2015, and are not redeemable over the phone or online. DON’T WAIT IN LINE—PRINT AT HOME! GET THE MOST FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIP Save time at the Museum and use print-at-home tickets for • Visit anytime for free 364 days a year! surcharged exhibitions, IMAX and Planetarium shows, and lectures • Read the monthly Members eNews with members-only news, and programs. Print-at-home allows you to print your tickets as tips, and special offers. By sharing your e-mail address, you soon as you finish making your purchase online—with no handling can also take advantage of advance registration for popular fee! When you arrive, proceed directly to the Ticket Taker booth programs such as Summer Day Camps and receive other insider with your printed tickets and begin enjoying the Museum. updates. Not getting the eNews or advance notifications? Send your e-mail address to [email protected]. QUESTIONS? • Go electronic and keep your membership card on your smart • 303.370.6306 (daily, 9–5) phone by downloading the free eCard app from your device’s • [email protected] app store. Find out how @ www.dmns.org/membercard. • www.dmns.org/members • Keep your membership current with Auto-Renew, an • Stop by the Members Lane at the Ticketing Desk easy automatic renewal process. Enroll in Auto-Renew @ 303.370.6306 (daily, 9–5) and get a free gift. Your expiration date THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Your membership helps us provide is printed on the mail label on the back of this magazine and outstanding science education programs, exhibitions, and research. under “Your Membership At-a-Glance” in your Members eNews. CATALYST | 13 2001 Colorado Boulevard Denver, Colorado 80205-5798

SAVE THE DATE Mini Maker Faire Is Coming to the Museum!

The Museum is pleased to host the 2015 Denver Mini Maker Faire, a multigenerational festival to make, create, learn, invent, craft, hack, recycle, build, think, play, and be inspired. These gatherings are sweeping the country.

Saturday & Sunday, June 13 & 14 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

The Maker Faire is a ticketed event for all members and guests. Tickets are $5 per day and go on sale on Wednesday, April 1.

The Mini Maker Faire will be held inside and outside the Museum, rain or shine, with many activities for all ages. More than 50 makers from Colorado have already registered for a space at the event.

Find out more @ www.dmns.org/denvermakerfaire.